N-Methyldiethanolamine (MDEA) is a colorless to yellow viscous liquid with an ammonia-like odor. It is completely soluble in water. N-Methyldiethanolamine is an alkyl alkanolamine.It combines the chemical characteristics of both amines and alcohols so that it is capable of undergoing reactions typical of both alcohols and amines: forming quaternary amine salts, soaps, and esters.
N-methyldiethanolamine is used as an intermediate in the synthesis of numerous products. Its unique chemistry has resulted in its use in diverse areas, including coatings, textile lubricants, polishes, detergents, pesticides, personal-care products, pharmaceuticals, urethane catalysts, and water-treatment chemicals. It is also used in absorption of acidic gases, catalyst for polyurethane foams, pH control agent.
N-Methyldiethanolamine is a reagent used for protection of boronic acids as N-methyl-O,O-diethanolamine esters.
N-methyldiethanolamine is produced by the reaction between ethylene oxide and methylamine.
N-Methyldiethanolamine is an aminoalcohol. Amines are chemical bases. They neutralize acids to form salts plus water. These acid-base reactions are exothermic. The amount of heat that is evolved per mole of amine in a neutralization is largely independent of the strength of the amine as a base. Amines may be incompatible with isocyanates, halogenated organics, peroxides, phenols (acidic), epoxides, anhydrides, and acid halides. Flammable gaseous hydrogen is generated by amines in combination with strong reducing agents, such as hydrides. N-Methyldiethanolamine may react with oxidizing materials.
Exposure can cause irritation of eyes, nose and throat.
Special Hazards of Combustion Products: Irritating vapors and toxic gases, such as nitrogen oxides and carbon monoxide, may be formed when involved in fire.
Flammability and Explosibility
Non flammable
N-methyldiethanolamine is readily biodegradable, and its bioconcentration potential is low. Releases to the environment would not persist and would degrade rapidly. The potential for mobility in soil is very high. It is slightly toxic to aquatic organisms on an acute basis.
N-methyldiethanolamine is stable under normal storage and use conditions, but elevated temperatures can cause it to decompose. Decomposition products depend upon temperature, air supply, and the presence of other materials. Avoid contact with nitrites, strong acids, and strong oxidizers. Avoid unintended contact with halogenated hydrocarbons. N-methyldiethanolamine can react with halogenated organics, resulting in temperature and/or pressure increases. It is corrosive when wet. Heating above 60°C (140°F) in the presence of aluminum can result in corrosion and generation of flammable hydrogen gas.
The updated initial threshold screening level (ITSL) for methyldiethanolamine is 6 μg/m3 based on an annual averaging time.
